I was informed this morning that Shannon Hale is releasing her first adult novel at the end of May (and by "adult," I simply mean "not a children's novel," so don't get any weird ideas). You might remember Hale from such gems as The Goose Girl series and Princess Academy. This new novel, called Austenland, sounds equally charming. In the words of Hale herself, here's the gist of the plot:
Jane Hayes is fairly obsessed with Mr. Darcy, particularly as portrayed by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. She goes on a three week vacation to an Austen-themed resort, where she dresses in empire-waist gowns and interacts with a cast of actors. Other women go there to live our their Austen fantasies, but she goes as therapy to get over her obsession. Also, it's funny.
So I plan on getting my little paws on that one sometime this summer.
Also on the reading list:
- Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
- The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling
- Duty and Desire: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman by Pamela Aidan (Part 2 in the trilogy...the first one, An Assembly Such as This, was fantastic.)
- These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman by Pamela Aidan (Part 3 in the trilogy.)
- Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer (thanks, Amyjane and Kristeee!)
- Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange (thanks Kristen!)
- A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly (thanks Desmama!)
11 comments:
For as much time as an infant does take, there are snatches of moments that I was able to find to read. Namely, nursing moments. Once my babe figured out how to latch on and STAY LATCHED (which I think takes a few weeks) I could read to my heart's content while she ate--and if you figure that a baby eats 15-20 minutes every 3-4 hours, that's well over an hour a day that you could get in some good reading. Bliss, I tell you! Your list looks great, and I'll be thinking of other books that might be fun to take in. Because if you're passing an hour a day reading, you'll get through books pretty quick. It's a wonderful thing, I tell you.
Did I say "I tell you" enough in that last post? I'm so embarrassed that I repeat myself. I tell you.
Desmama, you make me laugh, I tell you! :)
Um, hello? Twilight series! I'm obsessed...wait, have you read them? Can't remember...
Which brings up the important topic of "mommy brain." I personally would plan on reading a lot of light, happy, easy reads in the beginning. I couldn't concentrate on anything too deep, and anything sad just made me weepier than I already was! Also, I personally never managed to nurse and read at the same time in the six weeks I had to practice. So you might want to lay in a supply of DVD's, maybe a TV series you love on DVD...whatever. I got hooked on Everybody Loves Raymond since it aired at 2 AM and 5 AM which tended to coincide with feedings.
Oh think how much you'll get read! Since you're into the Pride and Prejudice thing, I recommend Mr. Darcy's diary, by Amanda Grange (if you haven't already read it). I just barely started it, but it looks good.
Right now I'm reading "The Beekeeper's Apprentice" and it's a really fun read. I'm also absorbed in "Wolf by the Ears," a book club pick that coincides with my Monticello experience and sudden Thomas Jefferson obsession. I finished "A Northern Light" while I was in D.C., which was good and that I kept wanting to talk to someone about when I was done. I will keep thinking of other good/interesting reads.
Thanks for the suggestions, guys! This is great! I'm all for building a nice, long list -- even if takes a while to get through it.
Desmama -- I once read a book called "Wolf by the Ears" by Ann Rinaldi, which I really enjoyed -- is that the one you're talking about? It's a YA fiction I read back in middle/high school. If it's not the one you're talking about (I think there are a few Jefferson books by the same title), you should consider checking this one out. In fact, any of Ann Rinaldi's historical ficton books are great!
Yep, that's the very one I'm reading. It is very interesting. When I was at Monticello, I asked our tour guide about Jefferson and his philosophies on slavery. She quoted me what he said about having a "wolf by the ears." I was so intrigued I wanted to do more research when I got home. Imagine my surprise and delight when my friend chose this book for book club--at no prompting from me. I am enjoying it so much.
Once you've read Twilight, you'll have to read New Moon and all of the snippets of both books on Stephenie Meyer's website (including the 1st chapter of twilight from Edward's perspective - he's such a yummy character!). And then Eclipse, the third in the series, is coming out this summer.
I'm so glad everyone asks for tips on what to read - I have a great list to pick up from the library!
Oh, good! I'm glad you're going to read The Eyre Affair. You could add the 3 sequels to the list if you end up liking it.
Becca -- I'm excited about The Eyre Affair. Both you and a friend of mine here have recommended it to me. I'm sure I'll have to look into those sequels. :)
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